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irish barmbrack recipe

Traditional Irish Barmbrack – Fruity Yeast Bread for Halloween or Tea Time

Barmbrack is a sweet Irish fruit bread traditionally served at Halloween and tea time. Made with soaked dried fruits, warm spices, and brewed tea, this moist loaf is full of cozy flavor and folklore charm.

What Is Barmbrack?

Barmbrack (also known as “báirín breac” in Irish, meaning “speckled loaf”) is a traditional Irish yeast bread dotted with dried fruits like raisins and sultanas. The fruit is soaked in strong brewed tea, giving the loaf a rich, tender crumb and deep flavor.

Barmbrack is especially associated with Halloween in Ireland, when charms were baked into the loaf to predict one’s fortune. Today, it’s a beloved tea-time treat enjoyed with a spread of butter and a hot cuppa.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Made with basic ingredients from your pantry
  • Infused with real Irish tea flavor
  • Naturally dairy-free and can be made vegan
  • Packed with juicy dried fruits and warm spice
  • A great recipe to celebrate Samhain or St. Patrick’s Day

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raisins or sultanas
  • 1/2 cup chopped dried currants or mixed peel
  • 1 cup hot brewed black tea (like Irish Breakfast)
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup lukewarm water or milk
  • 1 large egg (optional – omit for vegan)
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil (optional, for added richness)

How to Make Irish Barmbrack

Step 1: Soak the Fruit

  • Combine dried fruits and hot tea in a bowl.
  • Let soak for at least 2–4 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
  • Drain just before using (reserve a few tablespoons of tea if desired).

Step 2: Make the Dough

  • In a large bowl, mix yeast and lukewarm water. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  • Add sugar, egg (if using), spices, flour, and soaked fruit. Mix until combined.
  • Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, until smooth.

Step 3: Let It Rise

  • Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.

Step 4: Bake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Shape dough into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
  • Let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
  • Bake for 35–45 minutes until golden and sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 5: Optional Glaze

  • Brush with warm honey or reserved tea mixed with sugar for a shiny crust.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve warm or toasted with Irish butter
  • Enjoy with black tea or Irish coffee
  • Pairs beautifully with jam or sharp cheese

Tips for the Best Barmbrack

  • Use strong black tea like Irish Breakfast or Earl Grey
  • Soaking fruit overnight deepens the flavor
  • Add a charm (wrapped in parchment) for a Halloween tradition
  • Keep leftovers wrapped well—flavor improves over time!

FAQs

Is Barmbrack a cake or bread?
It’s a yeast bread, not a cake—though it’s sweet and often mistaken for one.

Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Just skip the egg and use water or plant milk.

How long does Barmbrack last?
Wrapped tightly, it keeps for up to 5 days at room temp. Also freezes well.

Fun Barmbrack Traditions

Historically, items were baked into Barmbrack to foretell one’s future:

  • Ring – marriage soon
  • Coin – wealth
  • Pea – no marriage
  • Cloth – bad luck
  • Stick – disputes

(For safety, wrap charms in parchment and clearly warn eaters!)

More Irish Recipes You’ll Love

Tried This Recipe?
Pin it, share it, or tag me with your bakes!
Leave a comment below and tell us if you included a charm—what did you get?


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